| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FarrarFarmgirl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 10:29:10 PM
Hello, Farmgirl friends, old and new,
I've been putting this off for such a very long time, but finally just said, "what the hey." So here I am after almost a year. I guess I got off track, ran out of time and overwhelmed with stuff at home, although I can't really remember anything more specific than that. And then I just got embarrassed of how long it had been since I had last posted - which means I should be forever embarrassed by now. So I just read alot and kept up as much as possible in silence.
Alot, ALOT, A-A-A-Lot-lot-lot has happened in the last year, too much to go into detail (and for those of you who do remember me, I know you'll be grateful to be spared my ramblings, which always seemed to be the case). And from what I have read I am not alone in being overwhelmed and letting life grab ahold of me instead of the other way around; however none of it was as detrimental or tragic as some of you have experienced, so I make no excuses there, just that it was the way it was. And I'm sorry I wasn't there to help shoulder the hurts and disappointments many of you have gone through. I wasn't being a very good Farmgirl, I am really sorry.
I'll skip ahead to the most recent events that have caused my life to take a complete turn around. HappyMama58 (Patti M) and I have kept in touch sparingly as I know her life as been in blissful turmoil for alot longer than my mound of miniscual musings. I'm so happy that the light at the end of her tunnel is getting brighter everyday with progress and normal living status being ever so much more at in reach.
I think at the time I stopped posting, my daughter had just announced her pregnancy. It was very untimely and all of the other uncontrolled emotional ups and downs a mother experiences when she finds out that her single unattached daughter comes home pregnant. We made it through and she has a beautiful baby girl named Lily Grace that we couldn't be more proud to have, she is 7 1/2 months old now, born just 5 days before Christmas. It was quite turmoltuous in KS during that time, but she consented to moving home to St. Louis when "things didn't go as she had hoped." And we truly thank God that they didn't. He is all knowing and knew what was best for her and the baby.
Sometime in March or April of this year, we got a shocking offer for an opportunity of a lifetime - to us. Actually, it was my husband who put my name out there all the while thinking it would not be something that would happen very soon. He was so confident. But like I said God always knows "just a little more" than we do. We were given the chance (and we took it) to be curators of a living outdoor museum. We went through 2 months of waiting and 2 interviews and lots of anticipation on our part, but pure confidence and expectancy on the part of the museum advisory council before we knew for sure that the job was mine.
Unfortunately, I had to have surgery which pushed my start date up by a month. Both sides, the job I was leaving and had been at for 10 years and the position I was going to were both very understanding and said my health was more important and to proceed with the surgery. So June 11th I had a hysterectomy. I was suppose to start on July 1st, but had to get through recovery first so I didn't "technically, officially" start on the payroll until Aug. 1st. Even though we finally moved in permanently the first week of July - they just got a free month out of me. :o)
I forgot to mention that at the end of April 2 of our children moved into our house before we had a chance to even begin packing. They were in a house just a mile away, but were having trouble with the property manager. So we offered them the chance to move into our house so we would not have to go through the selling process and they agreed. So for two months we were double stacked, so to speak, while my husband and I tried to pack. He would take small loads down to the farm house whenever he went down.
So, I'm packing, changing jobs, having surgery, moving into a "new" house 100 miles away while recovering and trying to set up house and home by unpacking and starting a new job that is totally different from anything I've ever done in my life - YET - my whole life has prepared me for this position in various little ways from each place I've been. Did that make sense?
Now, one month into my position, I couldn't me more grateful for the hand of God in opening all the doors to make this possible. Do I miss my children and grandchildren? Tremendously! And I knew that would be hard. But it instantly felt like home, no strange feeling at night like it wasn't my house, except for the rodents that tried to get in by scratching the ductwork for 3 hours. They failed - whew!
So here is what I'm doing, like I said, I'm the curator of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, MO. It is the place where the Saxon German immigrants settled in 1839 and called home. And where the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod got it's start; it's an area rich with church and cultural history. We live on the property, which consist of 30 acres with a small log cabin village and 11 other outbuildings that are all historic to the area. They are filled wtih donated items from the families in the area that have been handed down from generation to generation. We don't have animals yet, but they are on our wish list. My duties include giving tours at a moment's notice, scheduling tours with larger groups, keeping the cabins and buildings and grounds clean, keeping the diplays fresh, promoting the site and the area, updating lost records and lots and lots of office work. My goal is to have a prairie outfit to wear in time for our Fall Festival in October. I won't have time to sew one myself, so I have to find someone quick to make it.
We are open Tues - Sat from 9 - 5, Sundays 1 - 4 and closed on Mondays. It is heaven to wake up and know that I am at work. Like so many of you do, I truly now feel like I am a REAL farmgirl. I could so identify with the thread on all of you who work outside of the home, which I did for 19+ years, and now it's an absolute dream to do exactly what some of you did for vacation - casually get my laundry done and hung out, bake, feed the cats, take a walk, do the dishes, clean, make the bed and not be so rushed. I do get so much more done and I haven't see TV in a month and don't miss a thing. I go from the time I get up until I go to bed, but at my pace. I know I'm singing to the choir to most of you, but I guess I'm still awestruck at this opportunity, I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming all of this.
Nothing on the property is ours except what we brought down and put in the house, so we truly are caretakers of church property. The first HUGE responsibility that I have is organizing and coordinating the annual Fall festival, which consists of old time demonstrations of skills and handiwork from the 1800's; crafters and vendors and foodstands. We also have a program for the day with musical entertainment and this year we are adding a beard, mustache and costume contest. This is the 27th year and it draws anywhere from 2500 - 3500 people in one day depending on the weather. So a huge task, but there is such a huge network of dedicated local people who volunteer, I have no doubt it will go off wthout a hitch. My husband and I have lots of ideas for the near and distant future and so far just in sharing them, they have been well recieved. We'll see how that goes when we want to actually do them.
I must admit, I have dreamed of having a day when MaryJanes Farmgirls would all come over and incorporate their rich ideas and expertise across the property. I truly don't have a clue as to what I am doing. As much as it is a church run operation, it is also a business that strives to make ends meet. The Fall Festival and patron donors are what run this place. It can't always depend on one festival, so our radar is in constant motion trying to find and detect any and all ways to help the bottom line with new ideas. I don't have them all, but I trust many of you would do wonders in coming up with very valid and profitable ideas that we can do. I just keep thinking of Mary Janes place in ID and all the farms I've read about and seen pictures of while reading the posts.
Well, true to my nature, I have rambled and rambled and I could keep going for a few more pages about this place, our dreams and desires and how incredible it is that we are here - Only by the grace of God. I have a feeling though, I probably lost you all several paragraphs ago, so I will be respectful of my space here and wrap it up for now. I am looking to learn even more intensely from all of you in many areas, so I will be back and much sooner than letting another year go by.
I'm also looking forward to renewing many friendships and starting new ones to those who have come on board since last year. And please, feel free to send me your advise especially those of you who may be in a similar situation or simply live in an historic home. If there is one place I know I can learn, it's here with all of you. God bless you all with His immeasurable abundance.
In His hands,
Lynda
FarrarFarmgirl (even though I'm now living in Frohna)
PS. Please, please if you are ever in the area or just passing through (that's how many of our visitors find us), I hope you will take time to include us on your journey. It is free and only takes about an hour, but what a treat it would be to meet you face to face. We can be found on the web under www.chi.lcms.org and in the MO travel guide on tourism. Otherwise you can always contact me and I will get you here easily. I'd love to meet you so please come on by! Our Fall Festival is always the second Saturday in October, this year it is on the 13th from 9am - 4pm. It's a great way to spend the day and will be even better if you are here to share it with me.
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt.
www.pamperedchef.biz/lorenzfamilycooks |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Whimsy_girl |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 10:53:45 AM
Hey Lynda! It looks like we both returned around the same time as one another. It's been very nearly a year, and a busy one at that, for me too. I am glad to see that although you are busy, you are well. I love the idea of caretaking an old building that sounds so interesting. If you get a chance to post a picture of the structure I would love to see it.
Bobbi
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 09:55:04 AM
Welcome back Lynda! Wow! It sounds like your life sure has been interesting and busy this last year. I hope all goes well with your surgery and with your family. Your job sounds fantastic and I know there are several farmgirls on the forum that sew "prairie" outfits. I am sure you could get one of them to sew for you!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Holiday Angel |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 09:33:09 AM
Lynda,
There are many things I see here of interest. First of all my daughters husbands family is in Sparta, Missouri, a doctor that owns two clinic's and a huge 600 acre farm, preserve, with a bear and hand raised dear and who knows what else. He also owns Perch eons, around 60 head of them. The ranch/farm has cabins where he has people that work for him live and his huge house.
The maternal side of my son-in-law are German, and so very well may have came from your area.
Also, my family lived in that area for sometime and some still do. They settled in America in the 1600's and many family's sprang from that. My daughter and I did the genealogy on it all back to the year 1225. They came to Oregon from Missouri and Illinois in 1850 on the Oregon trail and of course we settled parts of Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Some of California and on and on.
We have a rich family history with many famous people in our linage. So knowing how important museums can be I thank you for doing the task you are as it means much to people like us.
I hope to hear more from you and your experience and cherish your story above. I also thank god for your daughter and her loving parents to support her as you did as we work with parents, babies and children, living and those who have passed too soon.
Nice to meet you,
Pauline
http://freewebs.com/hainchildrendivision/
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need
http://paulinesholidayblog.blogspot.com/
http://freshoffthefarmtime.blogspot.com/
http://sugarslifeblog.blogspot.com/
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| blueroses |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 09:10:26 AM
Lynda,
Welcome back! So happy to hear of your wonderful new life and that all is well.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| The Handmaiden |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 08:58:35 AM
Welcome home, Lynda! Like the prodigal son, you are met with open arms. I was gone for alittle while too and recently just slipped back in. I loved that you gave us all the details. Life does send us on a wild ride sometimes, but it sounds like you held on and have arrived in a beautiful spot. God is so good in preparing us all along the way for His gifts. A blessed lesson in trust,yes?! I'll be looking forward to your "rambling" updates on your new life.
With joy, Kim
"Faith shall finish all that Hope begins."
joan walsh anglund |
| ktknits |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 08:55:23 AM
Glad to see you back Lynda! What a whirlwind year for you!! Congratulations on the grandbaby and the new job! Life is good!
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
| mima |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 07:50:41 AM
Welcome back! What a cool life!!!Congratulations!!! |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 07:34:27 AM
Lynda,
So good to hear from you again! Congratulations on your new job, home, granddaughter, and we are thankful you brought us with you and are sharing the new experiences in your life. You've got some great ideas, and challenges listed in your post; I hear FarmGirls everywhere scrambling to send you ideas and offerings...best of luck to you. I look forward to hearing more about your museum and life as a hands-on Farmgirl!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| Luzy |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 07:29:00 AM
Welcome back Lynda! You have been missed!!! I'm so happy for you to have found such a wonderful position! Seems like you were just made to do this sort of work, and how great to LIVE there too! Hope to hear more of your experiences, sounds so interesting. Glad you're back! Hugs, Lu
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
| MBurns |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 07:27:23 AM
What is the website? I cannot get it to come up. I am very interested having attended the Mo Synod Lutheran church as a child and most of my parents and neighbors attended for years. My parents were farmers and from a German background. What a interesting job! Tell me more about the area please. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 06:51:52 AM
Lynda! I have missed you so much! I am so glad that you made your way back to us. You've certainly been busy. Your new job is an absolute dream job. It sounds like pure heaven and you sound so happy. Can't wait to hear more.
Hugs,
Kay
http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com |
| frannie |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 06:43:10 AM
dear lynda,
welcome back. your job sounds wonderful, and it sounds like they got just the right farmgirl to fill the shoes.
hope you will keep us posted on your new life and will enjoy your new life yourself while your at it!
best of luck, and once again, welcome back.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 06:12:09 AM
Hi, Lynda! It's great to meet you. I'm happy to meet you(I've been here posting for about a year now). I'd love to come to your fall festival - it sounds very interesting. I have a German heritage on my mother's side. And many congratulations on your wonderful job! :)
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 05:54:56 AM
Welcome back, Lynda. Things do happen for a reason and it all sounds wonderfu. You just had to pay your dues for awhile. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 03:09:07 AM
Hey there Lynda, I've been a member for a little over two months now..I'm glad to meet you. Your new home and job sounds truly like a dream come true for you!
It's so nice when that happens. I wish you the best at your new location and know that the events and everything will prosper with your caretaking abilitiy.
Welcome back and hope to get to know you better!
...til next time ~ queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/apronpocketswap.html
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/artfularponswap.html
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 10:32:41 PM
Hey Lynda..I am so glad to see you back here!! What a fun job and a busy life you have had since you were here last!! I hope you are around alot more now..we have missed you!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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